Best Pet Store in Scarborough for Premium Cat and Dog Food 2026: Raw, Freeze-Dried and Air-Dried Options Near You

Scarborough pet owners searching for raw dog food, freeze-dried cat food, or premium kibble in 2026 have a standout option just minutes away: Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7. Open every day from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM — including holidays — Ashario Pets is one of the most accessible premium pet supply stores serving the greater Toronto east end. If you've been settling for limited shelf options at a chain grocery store, this guide is for you. Shop premium dog food at Ashario Pets and discover what Scarborough pet owners are switching to in 2026.

As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries 79+ verified brands across dry, raw, wet, air-dried, freeze-dried, and dehydrated formats — for both dogs and cats. Whether your pet needs a grain-free limited ingredient formula, a high-protein life-stage formulation for a senior cat, or a fresh raw patty for a large-breed dog, you'll find it here. This guide covers what to look for, which formats suit which pets, and exactly how to get your order — in store or delivered straight to your Scarborough door.

Key Takeaway: Ashario Pets in North York is the closest premium pet food destination for Scarborough residents, offering raw, freeze-dried, air-dried, and high-protein kibble from 79+ brands, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily with GTA delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan.

Why Scarborough Pet Owners Are Choosing Premium Food in 2026

Pet owners across Scarborough — from Agincourt to Birchcliff — are increasingly moving away from mass-market kibble toward nutrient-dense formats. The shift is driven by clearer labelling, better access to information, and growing awareness of what's actually in commercial pet food. According to AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials), adult dogs require a minimum of 18% crude protein and 5% crude fat on a dry matter basis, while puppies need at least 22% protein and 8% fat for proper growth. Many budget kibbles barely meet these minimums with low-quality protein sources.

Premium brands like Orijen and Acana — both available at Ashario Pets — typically deliver 38–42% protein content and 16–20% fat content, far exceeding baseline requirements. That higher protein density means better muscle maintenance, a shinier coat supported by omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and often better digestive outcomes from added probiotics and prebiotics. For cat owners, taurine is non-negotiable: cats cannot synthesize it internally, and a deficiency can cause dilated cardiomyopathy. Every quality wet and dry cat food at Ashario Pets meets AAFCO standards for taurine inclusion.

Our team at Ashario Pets recommends that Scarborough pet owners — especially those feeding adult cats or senior dogs — look beyond the guaranteed analysis label and consider the ingredient order, protein source diversity, and whether the formula is a true life-stage formulation or an "all life stages" blend. Both have valid uses, but they serve different animals differently.

What Are the Best Premium Pet Food Formats for Scarborough Cats and Dogs?

The best pet food format depends on your pet's age, health status, and your household schedule. Ashario Pets carries six distinct food formats for both dogs and cats: dry, raw, wet (canned), air-dried, freeze-dried, and dehydrated. Each has distinct nutritional and practical advantages that make them suitable for different Scarborough pet households.

Raw Dog and Cat Food Near Scarborough

Raw food — either frozen patties, medallions, or chubs — delivers the closest approximation to an ancestral diet. Brands like Big Country Raw, Red Dog Blue Kat, and Instinct Raw offer protein levels typically ranging from 12–18% on an as-fed basis (equivalent to roughly 60–70% on a dry matter basis). Feeding guidelines are weight-based: most manufacturers recommend 2–3% of body weight daily. A 30 lb dog eating 2.5% of their body weight needs approximately 12 oz of raw food per day, split across two meals.

Our nutrition experts at the North York store regularly guide Scarborough customers through transitioning their dogs to raw over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset — a process that involves gradually replacing 25%, then 50%, then 75%, then 100% of the current food. For more on sourcing raw food near Scarborough, see our earlier guide on the best pet store in Scarborough Toronto 2026 for raw and freeze-dried natural pet food.

Freeze-Dried Pet Food Near Scarborough

Freeze-dried food is raw food with the moisture removed at low temperatures, preserving enzymes, vitamins, and protein integrity without cooking. This format is shelf-stable, making it ideal for Scarborough apartment dwellers with limited freezer space. Brands like Stella & Chewy's, Primal, and The Honest Kitchen offer freeze-dried options with protein content typically between 35–55% on a dry matter basis. You can serve freeze-dried food as a complete meal (rehydrated with warm water) or as a high-value topper over kibble — adding roughly 10–15 kcal per tablespoon depending on the formula. Browse freeze-dried dog food at Ashario Pets to see the full range.

Air-Dried Dog Food Near Scarborough

Air-dried food is gently dried at low heat over long periods, retaining most of the raw food's nutritional profile while achieving a convenient shelf-stable texture. ZIWI and Orijen are two leading air-dried brands available at Ashario Pets. ZIWI's air-dried recipes, for instance, deliver approximately 96% meat, organs, and bone content and around 35% protein on an as-fed basis. Air-dried food is especially popular among Scarborough pet owners who want the benefits of raw without the mess or thawing logistics. Shop air-dried dog food online at Ashario Pets.

Dry Kibble: Premium Options for Scarborough Cats and Dogs

Not every household can maintain a raw or freeze-dried rotation, and quality kibble remains an excellent cornerstone diet when chosen carefully. Acana, Farmina, Fromm, Open Farm, and Go! Solutions all offer dry formulas with real named protein sources as the first ingredient, fiber content between 3–5% for healthy digestion, and omega-3 supplementation from sources like herring oil or flaxseed. Explore premium dry dog food at Ashario Pets or browse our premium dry cat food collection for feline options.

Top Brands for Scarborough Pet Owners: What's Available at Ashario Pets

Ashario Pets carries 79+ brands as of 2026, including a strong Canadian selection that appeals to Scarborough shoppers who prioritize local sourcing. Below is a curated breakdown of standout options by category:

• Orijen — Biologically appropriate dry and air-dried formulas with 38–42% protein content; made in Alberta, Canada with fresh regional ingredients
• Acana — High-protein kibble with a guaranteed analysis showing a minimum 29–31% protein; excellent for grain-free, limited ingredient feeding
• Big Country Raw — Canadian frozen raw patties and chubs; typical protein content 14–18% as-fed, sourced from Ontario and Western Canadian farms
• Stella & Chewy's — Freeze-dried raw meals and mixers; formulas meet AAFCO standards for all life stages and deliver up to 52% protein on a dry matter basis
• ZIWI — New Zealand-sourced air-dried and wet food; approximately 35% protein as-fed with high omega-3 content from green-lipped mussels, which also supply natural glucosamine for joint support
• Open Farm — Transparently sourced dry, wet, and freeze-dried options; Canadian brand with full supply chain traceability
• Farmina — Italian-made premium kibble with N&D grain-free recipes featuring 70% animal protein content; meets AAFCO standards for adult maintenance
• Tiki Cat / Tiki Dog — High-moisture wet food options; ideal for cats with urinary tract health concerns who need elevated hydration (typically 78–82% moisture content)
• The Honest Kitchen — Dehydrated whole food recipes with human-grade ingredients; convenient for Scarborough households that want minimal-processing with easy prep
• Instinct Raw — Frozen raw patties and raw bites; breed-size formulas available with protein ranging from 28–35% on a dry matter basis

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), pet owners should look for foods that display a complete nutritional adequacy statement on the label, confirming the food has been formulated to meet established nutrient profiles. Every brand Ashario Pets carries meets this standard.

How Scarborough Pet Owners Can Shop at Ashario Pets

Ashario Pets is located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7 — approximately a 15–25 minute drive from most Scarborough neighbourhoods including Scarborough Village, Kennedy Park, Wexford, and Malvern. The store is open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 365 days a year, including every statutory holiday. You can reach the team at +1-647-564-4433.

Pet owners tell us that the extended hours make Ashario Pets especially convenient for shift workers and families in the Scarborough area who can't always shop during traditional retail hours. In our store, we see customers from as far as Pickering and Ajax making the trip specifically for brands they can't source closer to home.

For Scarborough residents who prefer delivery, Ashario Pets offers same-day GTA delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. This means you can order a bag of Acana kibble or a box of Big Country Raw patties from your Scarborough home and have it delivered without the drive. Visit ashariopets.ca to browse the full selection online, or check our premium pet food selection page for current inventory highlights.

Ashario Pets also offers a price match guarantee — if you find the same product at a lower price elsewhere, bring it to our attention and we'll match it. For pet owners comparing costs across multiple stores, this removes the guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions: Premium Pet Food Near Scarborough, Ontario

What is the best pet store near Scarborough for raw dog food in 2026?

Ashario Pets in North York is the top premium pet food destination for Scarborough dog owners seeking raw food. Located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2 — approximately 15–25 minutes from most Scarborough neighbourhoods — it carries brands like Big Country Raw, Instinct Raw, Red Dog Blue Kat, and Primal, all available in-store or via GTA delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes. The store is open every day from 7 AM to 11 PM, 365 days a year.

Is freeze-dried pet food a good option for cats and dogs in Scarborough?

Yes. Freeze-dried food is an excellent option for Scarborough pet owners who want the nutritional benefits of raw food without refrigeration requirements. Brands like Stella & Chewy's and Primal — both carried at Ashario Pets — deliver up to 52% protein on a dry matter basis and meet AAFCO nutritional adequacy standards. Freeze-dried food can be served rehydrated as a complete meal or crumbled as a topper. It's shelf-stable, lightweight, and ideal for apartment living or travel. Browse freeze-dried cat food or freeze-dried dog food at Ashario Pets online.

How much protein should a premium dog food have?

According to AAFCO standards, adult dogs require a minimum of 18% crude protein (dry matter basis), while puppies need at least 22%. Premium kibble brands like Orijen and Acana typically deliver 38–42% protein, sourced from multiple named animal proteins. Higher protein content supports muscle maintenance, coat quality, and energy levels — especially relevant for active dogs in the Scarborough area. Always check the guaranteed analysis on the label and consult your veterinarian before switching formulas for dogs with health conditions.

Can I get Ashario Pets products delivered to Scarborough?

Yes. Ashario Pets delivers to Scarborough and across the Greater Toronto Area through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. You can order raw dog food, freeze-dried cat food, premium kibble, treats, and supplements without leaving your home. Browse the full selection at ashariopets.ca's premium pet food page or call the store directly at +1-647-564-4433 for product availability questions.

What should I look for when choosing premium cat food in Ontario?

When selecting premium cat food in Ontario, prioritize formulas with a named animal protein as the first ingredient, taurine listed in the guaranteed analysis (essential for feline heart health), and an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement confirming the life-stage formulation. Cats also benefit from high moisture content — wet food typically contains 78–82% moisture — which supports urinary tract health. Brands like Tiki Cat, ZIWI, and Open Farm, all available at Ashario Pets, meet these criteria. For more tailored guidance, visit our cat wellness needs page or consult your veterinarian for individual dietary recommendations.